Arboretum accredited

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Last month the Bill Kohlbrand Arboretum along Stampede Street became the first accredited arboretum on the Morton register for the state of Wyoming, according to Travis Peterson, city arborist. 
The arboretum was originally planted in 2013 when more than 50 trees were planted in celebration of Arbor Day. 
“This arboretum will act as a living experiment to test the sustainability of a wide range of tree species in Newcastle’s harsh climate,” the Wyoming State Forestry website says. “Trees were selected on their availability to withstand cold temperatures, windy conditions and heavy, alkaline soils.” 
Several of these trees are native to Wyoming, Peterson said during a Arbor Day celebration on April 30. Others come from a variety of areas. Currently there are 125 trees in the arboretum, consisting of over 50 species. 
Funding for the arboretum originally came from the Wyoming State Forestry Division’s arboretum grant program. This program funds arboretums around the state. 
“Through these arboretum trials, the Forestry Division hopes to compile a more comprehensive list of trees suitable in Wyoming’s climate,” the forestry website explains.